jeannine

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jeannine has written 14 articles:

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jeannine has written summaries for eight topics:

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jeannine has posted 1,236 annotations/comments since 16 June 2004.

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First Reading

About Tuesday 22 July 1662

Jeannine  •  Link

"Angry with my wife..and so friends again"...what is so amazing to me about Sam's diary is it's so "in the present" --he flows in and out of emotions and is able to record his feelings through the process --it reminds me of watching children play--mad as can be one moment and hugging each other the next.

About Thursday 17 July 1662

Jeannine  •  Link

Love and work--Bradford --we can only hope that when "the former" does resurface it's with Elizabeth--but sadly so we'd best prepare for it to be otherwise knowing Sam....

About Wednesday 16 July 1662

Jeannine  •  Link

Lady Casltemaine's not so wholesome character.
In response to above, Lady Castlemaine was both the King's Mistress and a whore, and often at the same time. She was well initiaited prior to her marriage to Palmer, manipulated her way up to Charles, but never stopped entertaining various lovers. During the years spent with Charles as his mistress she had many other lovers ranging from other upper class men right on down to a juggler who she is said to have paid to service her. There are some that seem to hint that she also slept with Charles' son Monmouth. None of this seemed to bother Charles as he was rather cut from the same cloth and was never "faithful" to her either. Interesting stories include the paternity of one of her children --she wanted Charles to own the child (better for her if he did) so when Charles questioned the paternity she flew into a rage and threatened to bash the child to death if he wouldn't claim it, which he did. Pedro politely says she was "calculating and manipulative", which is probably one of the kindest descriptions of her nature ever in print---perhaps that characterization would apply to a moment when she was counting her accumulated wealth and feeling "sweet and kind" towards the world ~~ a rare day for sure! Stories of her outbursts, temper tantrums, arrogance, vulgar, overtly and higly sexualized antics abound (not included here due to spoilers!) and if only half of the episodes written about are true, then to call her a "whore" would be a compliment. The one title that she did receive, which never fit her true character, was "Lady".

About Friday 11 July 1662

Jeannine  •  Link

Learning Multiplication in today's world...Dirk --thanks for the links. To put it in perspective, my 8 year old is working through the same issues as Sam--part of her take home work this summer is double digit multiplication. In order to make it fun I have motivated her in the a manner that seems to often motivate Sam (making money!)--by telling her to pretend that there is a dollar sign in front of each problem and the resulting money would be hers...... then to make a list of what money she has accumulated with each answer and what she'd spend it on....by summer's end she will no doubt be multiplying 10 digit numbers!

About Biographies of related people

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Books on Charles II

Pepys site link to Charles: http://www.pepysdiary.com/encyclo…

All The King's Women: Love, Sex and Politics in the Life of Charles II
Derek Wilson

"All the King’s Women” is really a biography of Charles and along the way charts the relationship of Charles Stuart with the many women in his life. It details the mistresses, the mistresses he wished to have but did not, his mother, his beloved younger sister, Henrietta and his long-suffering wife Catherine and ties them all into the politics, the corruption and the intrigues of his life. Charles used and was used by many of these women, but as his expectations were so low, he didn't care. Wilson captures the times through a good inclusion of letters, poems, lampoon and satire of the times (some of it vulgar, albeit quite funny). His style is quite readable and for example, as Wilson explains Charles' new conquest from France, Louise and her expectations vs. his he says'.
"It was not the relationship between Louise and the queen which excited interest among court commentators. What aroused critics of the regime to anxiety, anger and contempt were the antics of the triumvirate of the king's mistresses. For Louise soon discovered, as Catherine and Barbara had discovered before her, that Charles had no concept of fidelity. His latest conquest might think of herself as maitresse en titre and have a clear idea of what she understood that title to imply but Charles played to a different set of rules -- ones of his own devising. He continued to have one-night stands with creatures smuggled up the privy stairs by Chiffinch but, publicly and more importantly, he maintained his liaisons with Barbara and Nell. This domestic relationship of the King of England with three bickering, bitchy rival whores was a constant source of comment, ranging from wicked satire to angry denunciation." (p. 280)

For those interested in a somewhat lighter read from a historical level and more focus on the court life and the court, this is an interesting interpretation.

Available in the UK (only-not showing up in the US) on Amazon at
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obid…

Royal Survivor: The Life of Charles II
Stephen Coote

This is a fast moving account of the life of Charles and moves from his lush birth to the Cromwell takeover, exile, bitterness, triumph and deceit and looks at Charles as a shrewd manipulating survivor. He touches briefly on the history (plague, great fire, etc. and the politics and intrigues. He also touches on the mistresses: Lady Castlemaine, Lady Portsmouth, streetwise Nell Gwyn, exotic Hortense Mancini and many others. There really is nothing new here but rather a retelling of the work of other historians in a style that is lighter and pulls in Charles' skill as a survivor. Also, of note, the sources sited are predominately second hand.
Amazon UK link http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obid…
Amazon US link
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos…

The Life and Times of Charles II
Christopher Falkus

This is another of the many biographies of Charles II. Although it's much shorter than many of the others it covers Charles' life quite well in a more condensed format. Falkus doesn't indulge in the soap opera aspects of Charles' life in detail but offers something that is missing elsewhere~~substantial artwork, illustrations, art work, etc. which offer a glimpse into the life and times that other historians lack in their work.

Available in the UK at Amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obid…

King Charles II
Arthur Bryant

This is actually a wonderfully researched biography with extensive use of historical manuscripts, contemporary letters, diaries, parliamentary debates journals, etc. which adds to the credibility of the information provided. Bryant even goes so far as to divide his references into sections based on historical factual relevance and relies predominately on the hierarchy of contemporary letters, diaries and accounts which he states are:
"of far greater value as historical evidence than the second [memoirs, newspapers, etc], for the writers of tracts and newspapers are inclined to distort facts to help their party, and memoir writers to justify their past conduct, while the latter (being generally retired statesmen occupying their leisure) suffer the additional disadvantage of failing memory [and perhaps old grudges-my addition here]. Burnet, Clarendon, Temple and North--the great memoir writers on whom English historians have relied for their knowledge of the reign of Charles II--are only to be trusted implicitly when their statements are borne out by the evidence of letters and diaries, written not a generation later, but at the very time of the events which they describe.
Even the latter need to be used with caution, and with some knowledge of the opinions and characters of the writers. A letter-writer such as Sir Robert Southwell--shrewd, honest and disinterested -- is of greater value to posterity, so far as the accuracy of his evidence is concerned, than a changeable careerist such as Ralph Montagu. Again, what the soldier said is not always evidence. When Pepys records gossip about his sovereign's nocturnal movements, obtained at third hand from the wife of a Court surgeon, he is not necessarily transmitting the truth to us; when, on the other hand, he describes a personal interview with the King, he is (as a man of proved honesty) entitled to every respect."The result has been to bring out the view of Charles generally held in his own day rather than that adopted for political reasons by the party writers of the next generation, and expanded by those constitutional historians of the nineteenth century who viewed the past mainly as a study in the advance of parliamentary sovereignty. Since the second Charles was one of the most successful statesman who ever opposed this theory of government, his posthumous reputation has been somewhat roughly handled."" (p. 299)

This biography sets Bryant apart from the later writes (Wilson, Coote, etc.) as he seems to explore the facts and then draw the conclusion, as opposed to other writers who may tend to fit pieces of the facts into their overall theme.

Amazon US
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos…

Amazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obid…

Antonia Fraser
King Charles II (paperback)
Royal Charles (hardcover)

I referenced both books above as they could easily be the same book under a different name. The following is based on the paperback.

This is a wonderful biography by Fraser, highly detailed, well researched and an enjoyable read. She follows the events of Charles life - early years as the heir to be in the court of Charles I, daring adventures through the civil war, fugitive years from Cromwell after his father’s execution, his exile in France, his magnificent Restoration and years as King (including the Plague, Great Fire, Dutch War, Exclusion, etc.). Charles' history is intertwined with a look at the Restoration society under Charles where mistresses, licentiousness, crude and vulgar writings, women in theater were to become the norm. She also shows Charles in his other leisure activities, which include his love of science, his 'sauntering', hunting, etc. Although the book is advertised as a reassessment on his reign with a more detailed view into his relationships, his attitude towards kingship, his political acumen, and his religious beliefs, it's not always clear if these are true factual representations (ie. like Bryant sticks to) as opposed to interpretations of the writer. One thing is obvious in the reading of the biography--in spite of any flaws and criticisms of Charles; Fraser seems very taken with him.

Amazon US
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos…

Amazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obid…

Character of K. Charles II
George Savile, Marquis of Halifax (1750)

This version of the Character of King Charles (published as a "Little Book and edited by Dennis Whibly in 1927) was written by George Savile Marquis of Halifax, and was taken from his original manuscripts, in 1750. For background on Savile go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geor…

Savile is a gifted writer and brings forth descriptions of the character of Charles under 6 topics: his religion, his dissimulation, his amours and mistresses, his conduct to his ministers, his wit and conversation and his talents, tempers and habits. He ends with a kind conclusion, written almost to seek forgiveness for Charles' flaw. As a person who came in close contact with Charles and who had a very insightful eye he draws out not only the black and white aspects of Charles but also the gray areas. My version is only 82 pages long and a very quick read, although the old English sentence semantics required a few reviews for me to capture the meaning. Some of the text of Savile's writing is quoted at the bottom of this page:
http://instruct.uwo.ca/english/23…

This is not an easy find, so if not available in you local library, go to the following site and put in 'Savile' for the author and 'Charles' for the search you may have some luck--but well worth the effort. I wouldn't be surprised if the text isn't online somewhere but I haven't been able to locate it.

http://www.usedbooksearch.co.uk/

About Biographies of related people

Jeannine  •  Link

Books on Queen Catherine
Catherine of Braganza, wife of Charles II

Link to her site on the pepys site http://www.pepysdiary.com/encyclo…

Catherine of Braganca, Infanta of Portugal and Queen Consort of England
By Lillias Campbell Davidson

This is probably the definitive biography of Catherine. It is referenced in almost all other books and biographies about her since it came out in 1908. It is very thorough (500+ pages), kind hearted yet factual in it's approach to both Catherine and Charles and includes about 80 or so of her letters back and forth to her brother Pedro, and her last will and testament, which give a feel for her "voice" --something which all of the other books about her seem to lack. The dedication itself is lovely and reads "To the people of Portugal who gave their princess throughout her life love, loyalty, devotion and by who in her death she is not forgotten". An interesting quote from one of her letters to her brother then King Pedro (page 467)starts out "Supposing God is everywhere, yet He is as much forgoten here as if that were not so"--which sums up most of her life experience in England.

Unfortunately this is NOT an easy find, so trying your local library is probably the best bet. In the US, my local library scanned universities and several in the area had a copy of this. In the US on the WW Library cooperative you can hit the 'Try It for Yourself' tab, type in "Catherine of Braganza" and if available, it will pull up locations near you. This occasionaly comes up for sale in the used book market at http://www.usedbooksearch.co.uk/b…

Catherine of Braganza
Janet MacKay

Janet Mackay's 'Catherine of Braganza' was published in 1937. It is not as long or detailed as the Davidson biography but factual and not open to too much "poetic license" or biased interpretation. It covers a lot of key points that other authors (historical fiction) have obviously drawn on in their writings about Catherine. This occasionaly comes up for sale in the used book market at http://www.usedbooksearch.co.uk/b…

Lives of the Queens of England from the Norman Conquest (volume number varies)
Agnes Strickland

You have to love Agnes and Elizabeth Strickland'a true joy to read! The sisters began writing short biographies of royal ladies for the 'Lady's Magazine' during the 1830's. Due to the popularity of the articles they then created a book series entitled 'Lives of the Queens of England, From the Norman Conquest'. It was published in 12 volumes from 1840 to 1848 citing Agnes as the sole author. Even though she wrote more biographies than did Agnes, Elizabeth preferred to remain anonymous. There charming Victorian writing style based on well-researched facts and footnotes is thoroughly enjoyable, and historians everywhere quote them. The Victorian influence is delightful and brings forth a uniquely English flair for history. These ladies loved Queen Catherine and felt an emotional connection and sympathy as they emphasized with her ~~ feeling all of the humiliation and traumas she faced not only through her husband's lifetime of blatant infidelity but also through the politics, maneuverings and intrigues of Charles' court and the Exclusion environment. A little biography of Agnes can be found at http://www.nndb.com/people/184/00…

This book is usually found in the used book market at http://www.usedbooksearch.co.uk/b…

Catherine of Braganza : Princess of Portugal Wife to Charles II
Manuel Sousa

This is the most current biograpahy of Catherine and an ABSOLUTELY lovely and dignified book. The text is factual, non-biased in its presentation and stays with the facts. Sousa has included extensive research from the Portuguese point of view, which the previous English versions have only touched upon. He adds the flavor of her heritage and an understanding of the political climate and the influence of her homeland. The illustrations, photographs and artwork are magnificent. The only issue is with the availability of the book, which, although listed on Amazon in the US as 'Special Order' is truly NOT available. It rarely comes up in the used book market, but seems to be readily available in library (and university) networks. I have contacted both the author and the publisher but unfortunately it does not seem like this will be reprinted soon. You may have the best luck with you local librarian.

Catherine of Braganza
Hebe Elsna

Although classified as a biography, this book seemed more like a historical fiction as there was more interpretation of character, etc. This is what sometimes happens when romance writers move into another genre. Although you may see this for sale in the used book market, on this I'd pass. If you tend to like historical novels, this may suit your tastes and provides a better story than the other fictional writers who have turned Catherine's story into novels.

D. Catarina de Braganca: Rainha de Inglaterra
Virginia Rau

This is written in Portuguese by the well known and respected Portuguese historian Virginia Rau. It's a good solid book which takes the view of Catherine not only as a queen of England but also as a woman from the Portuguese culture. Rau's understanding of Catherine' Portuguese heritage reflects in her writing and interpretations and add a different and more human perspective. Rau does not take "risks" as a historian, but sticks solidly to the facts. In the US I was able to borrow this from the US Librbary of Congress through my local library. It is rare, so if you are able to get it and can read Portuguese you can consider yourself lucky.

Dona Catarina de Braganca
Augusto Casimiro

The author Augusto Casimiro expands upon the work of her previous biographers, providing insights not only into the life of Catherine, but also Portuguese-English political climate, the Portuguese culture and history and her family relations. Casimiro's biography includes family letters, currently housed in the Ajuda Palace in Lisbon. His style is totally different from the other writers as he questions the assumptions made about Catherine and adds interestng commentary to consider. This is also in Portuguese, but may appear on the used book site for sale from time to time. I acutally found a wonderful copy (via the link below) in great shape for $20 in some small bookshop in Virginia, so you never know when and where it will pop up. This book is usually found in the used book market at http://www.usedbooksearch.co.uk/b…

The King's Wife; Five Queen Consorts
Robert Gray

I'm borrowing the description from Amazon for this: "In this book the author presents portraits of five very different women who married English kings, and in the process it reassesses famous episodes of our history in unfamiliar, often unflattering perspective. He focuses on the women themselves and on the forces, which shaped their characters, on the delicate balance of public and personal lives and the remarkable resilience, which unites them all. The subjects of the book are Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henrietta Maria, Catherine of Braganza, Caroline of Brunswick and Mary of Teck."

My comments: The benefit of this book is that 2 Staurt women are represented, although not in necessarily the most favorable light. The biggest tragedy that that Grey sees in the marriage of Catherine of Braganza and Charles II is the total lack of influence that she had on him during the course of their marriage. He basically ignored her and gave her little, if any consideration. The tragedy part lies in the fact that after Charles' death and on her return to Portugal, Catherine was given a hero's welcome, brought warmly into the life of her brother King Pedro, becoming a true and loving friend to his wife Maria Sophia, and became Regent of Portugal when Pedro fell ill. She successfully led the Portuguese people in actions against the French as they tried to dominate Spain, showing her stregnth and practicality as a leader. Her capabilities were clearly exhibited for the people and country that she loved, something that England never allowed her a chance to display.

Amazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obid…

Amazon US
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos…

About James Butler (Duke of Ormond, Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland)

Jeannine  •  Link

The Life of James Duke of Ormond
Thomas Carte

This was an amazing set of 6 volumes (more or less, depending on the version) which explored in painstaking detail the life, letters and correspondence of James Butler, the Dukeof Ormond (strong supporter of Charles I & II and friend of Clarendon). Depending upon your interest in the details of history and politics, the detail can be somewhat overwhelming. Ormond was an old Royalist who sacrificed much to the Stuart monarchy and was not always treated well by either Charles I or II. He is noted during this time period for his exceptional moral character and ease of manner, two things that seemed quite missing from most men in the court of Charles II. Several of the volumes dedicate a great deal of time to his governmental dealings in Ireland and also his interactions and support of the Stuarts. He was a fast thinking and unflappable man who carried himself with dignity and with in his interactions. One of my favorite anecdotes takes place between Lady Castlemaine (Charles

About Sir Robert Southwell

Jeannine  •  Link

Robert's letters are quoted extensively in this book:
The History of the Revolutions of Portugal, From the Foundation of that Kingdom to the Year MDCLXVII. With Letters of Sir Robert Southwell, During his Embassy there, To the Duke of Ormond; Giving a particular Account of the of the deposing Alfonso.
Thomas Carte

Robert Southwell was the English Ambassador to Portugal under Charles II. Carte has recorded his letters as Southwell details the history of Portugal and the account of the overthrow of Alfonso (Catherine of Braganza

About Non-fiction about Pepys' time

Jeannine  •  Link

The History of the Revolutions of Portugal, From the Foundation of that Kingdom to the Year MDCLXVII. With Letters of Sir Robert Southwell, During his Embassy there, To the Duke of Ormond; Giving a particular Account of the of the deposing Alfonso.
Thomas Carte

Robert Southwell was the English Ambassador to Portugal under Charles II. Carte has recorded his letters as Southwell details the history of Portugal and the account of the overthrow of Alfonso (Catherine of Braganza

About Biographies of related people

Jeannine  •  Link

The Life of James Duke of Ormond
Thomas Carte

This was an amazing set of 6 volumes (more or less, depending on the version) which explored in painstaking detail the life, letters and correspondence of James Butler, the Dukeof Ormond (strong supporter of Charles I & II and friend of Clarendon). Depending upon your interest in the details of history and politics, the detail can be somewhat overwhelming. Ormond was an old Royalist who sacrificed much to the Stuart monarchy and was not always treated well by either Charles I or II. He is noted during this time period for his exceptional moral character and ease of manner, two things that seemed quite missing from most men in the court of Charles II. Several of the volumes dedicate a great deal of time to his governmental dealings in Ireland and also his interactions and support of the Stuarts. He was a fast thinking and unflappable man who carried himself with dignity and with in his interactions. One of my favorite anecdotes takes place between Lady Castlemaine (Charles' infamous mistress) , who became incensed with him over a dispute for a petition she had for some land (which he would not pass)..... As Carte, so magnificently writes of the confrontation, "This incensed the lady Castlemaine so highly, that upon his grace's [Ormond's] return to England, meeting him in one of the apartments about court, she without any manner in regard to the place or company, fell upon him with a torrent of abusive language, loaded him with all the reproaches that the rancour of her heart could suggest, or the folly of her tongue could utter, and told him in fine, that she hoped to live to see him hanged. The duke heard all unmoved, and only made her this memorable reply: That he was not in no haste put an end to her days, for all he wished with regard to her was, that he might live to see her old."

A note on the author, as taken from a website from the Pickering and Chatto booksellers: "Thomas Carte (1686-1754) is one of the forgotten great historians of the eighteenth century: no doubt the enthusiasm for later work by Hume and Smollett served to conceal the merits of his work from contemporary readers; and his outspoken Jacobite opinions strongly coloured early opinion and unfairly relegated to the ranks of partisan writers. Nonetheless, Carte was a true historian in a way that his rivals could not match: he was familiar with the manuscript sources, and had scoured the libraries of France and Britain for original material. As Lowndes says, quoting Warton: ‘You may read Hume for his eloquence, but Carte is the historian for facts’."

Additional note: Most credible historians and writers of the Restoration period and the monarchy during this time site Carte in their bibliographies.

For more information about Ormond, this site is useful.
http://81.1911encyclopedia.org/O/…

The book(s) can most affordably be found in libraries and sometimes on the used book search at
http://www.usedbooksearch.co.uk/b…

About Louise de Querouaille

Jeannine  •  Link

Also known as "Louise de Keroualle" or Mrs. Carwell to the English commoners.
She was the French Mistress to Charles II,sent over by Louis XIV after the death of Charles beloved sister Henrietta Marie. She was hated by the English as she was French. It is believed by many that she was a spy for Louis XIV. Assorted links follow.

http://www.getty.edu/art/collecti…

http://www.nzartmonthly.co.nz/war…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loui…

About Nell Gwyn

Jeannine  •  Link

Assorted background links. Nell was mentioned by Pepys on many occasions and was a famous actress. She also became one of the many mistresses of Charles II. Among his famous dying words were his request to his brother James II "please don't let poor Nelly starve".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nell…

http://www.britannica.com/eb/arti…

http://www.historic-uk.com/Histor…

http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/G…

http://www.hereford-heritage.com/…

About Alfonso VI of Portugal

Jeannine  •  Link

Thanks to Pedro for supplying the following translation regarding Alfonso's illness as a child. His annotation read:

"Catherine

About Alfonso VI of Portugal

Jeannine  •  Link

Alfonso VI was the brother of Catherine of Braganza (who married Charles II and became the Queen of England).

Pepys says on May 24, 1662

About Frances Stuart (Duchess of Richmond)

Jeannine  •  Link

"La Belle Stuart" by Cyril Hughes Hartmann is the biography of Frances Teresa Stuart, a young lady who was a distant relative of Charles II and a beauty of his court. While her family sought refuge in France during the Cromwell period, she was a favorite of the French court and well regarded by both Charles' mother Henrietta and his sister Minette. Her family returned to England upon the Restoration when Frances was still a young girl of about 13 or so. She was incredibly beautiful, silly and childish in her manner, but her looks and frivolous nature caught the eye of Charles II. During the next few years of immature flirtation she led him to believe that someday she would be his mistress and thus managed to unseat Lady Castlemaine's "power" over Charles. (Pepys makes note of this in several places, starting around 1663 and revels in the related gossip).
Around the time that Queen Catherine became ill (Sept, 1663) it was believed by almost everyone that if Catherine died from her illness that Charles would wed Frances and Castlemaine would be gone for good.
What is most interesting is Hartmann's view of the "curious complexity" of Charles' character through his interactions with Frances. He states that "Charles was dividing between three women at the same time the love that an ordinary man would devote to one at different stages of his passion." For Frances he had a young romantic passion for her gaiety and beauty. For Catherine " it was love growing old, a tenderness free from all passion, a placid affection which was a haven for all his better instincts" and with Lady Castlemaine both romance and tenderness were missing and all that remained were the basest physical element.
As Frances grew into womanhood she had to face the reality of her behavior which left 3 choices: mistress, convent or marriage to anyone who would take her. She threw herself at the Queen's mercy and Catherine guided her towards marriage to the Duke of Richmond. This marriage was an extreme insult and embarrassment to Charles, who banished Frances and her husband from court. The fall out of this situation turned political as the parties in the court opposing Clarendon (Buckingham and Arlington) blamed the marriage on him. Charles, who clearly was struggling to soothe his ego and couldn't think that any woman would leave him for the Duke of Richmond without someone manipulating her to do so, fell for the bait and Clarendon was forced to exile himself to France.
Over time the wounds began to heal and Frances and her husband were welcomed back to the court. After her husband's death Charles appointed her as a lady of Queen Catherine's bedchamber. Catherine and Frances shared a sincere friendship. Frances never remarried, but she remained friendly with Charles who granted her financial support for her life. This is usually available used through a search at http://www.usedbooksearch.co.uk/c…

About Monday 30 June 1662

Jeannine  •  Link

Pauline "Arthur Bryant--If Bryant is in error, he is in the very most excellent company (see all of the above)." Thanks for the gracious interpretation of the historian Bryant and all of the other annotators that chose to share their thoughts for the day. To me personally, one of the joys of reading Sam is that he's like history himself--he's imperfect, his writing is open to interpretation and he offers an interesting point for people with views different from mine to spark my interests, share their opinions and help me grow as he does. For me, I'll gladly remain in the company of those who choose to explore options with an openess to others and to risk possibly be wrong, because, just like Sam, I'm not always exacting in my writing and I'm also not perfect. Boring holes or not boring holes.... who is to know and does it really matter THAT much in the larger scheme of life???